Across the area

By From Staff Reports

Storm damages buildings, cars

Heavy winds and rains caused damage to several businesses and homes in Jefferson Countysons Sunday afternoon, Wrens Police Chief David Han­nah said. A Huddle House and Best Westernshotel on U.S. High­way 1 were damaged when roof sections were lifted by the wind. A mobile home and two cars weresdamaged by uprooted trees, Chief Hannah said.

An Augusta man told police that a woman threw a cup of bleach in his face.

At about 7 p.m. Saturday, police were called to the 100 block of Calvary Drive, where Willie Carpenter, 42, said the woman asked for the bleach and then threw it in his face after he asked why she wanted it, a Richmond County sheriff's report says.

He was taken tosMedical College of Georgia Hospital , the report says. No information was available on his condition Sunday night.

Battalion Chief Tommy White­ner said a blade malfunction inside a hopper machine used to produce wood chips caused some smoldering inside the machine. Three units responded and put the fire outswithin 45 minutes, Chief Whitener said.sNo injuries were reported, and there was never a threat to plant operations, he said.

Augusta Newsprint produces industrial paper rolls like those used for newspapers.

Police say stabbing suspect hit officers

Police arrested an Augusta woman who assaulted a man with her fingernails and tried to stab him with a butcher knife, a Richmond County sheriff's report says.

Shelia Sabrina Smith, 45, of the 2300 block of Dublin Drive, was charged with simple battery and obstruction of a law enforcement officer late Saturday, police said. Police identified the victim as William Hunter, of the same address.

After police took her to the Richmond County jail, Mrs. Smith punched an officer in the chest, police said. She also hitsasjailer in the face whileshandcuffed, the report says.

At about 5 p.m., a gospel festival, memorial services and an address by state NAACP presidentsLonnie Randolph Jr.swill take place at New Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 3237 Deans Bridge Road, said the Rev. David Walk­er, the president of Aiken's Na­tional Association for the Ad­vancement of Colored People.s

The public is invited to all activities, and a registration fee is required, the Rev. Walker said.

For more information about the conference, call (803) 754-4584 or visitswww.scnaacp.org.

Wife accuses man of making threats

A Richmond County woman told police her husband threatened her after pouring diesel fuel around her vehicle.

Benjie Lee McTier, of the 4000 block of Whispering Pines Drive, was arrested and charged with simple assault after police found him hiding in woods near the 1800 block of Tobacco Road, where the incident occurred Saturday evening, a Richmond County sheriff's report says.

Lisa Dozier McTier said her husband became aggressive after she questioned his drinking habits.

Marker will recognize ASU's ties to academy

The Georgia Historical Association will present a historical marker to Augusta State University in a ceremony at 11 a.m. Fridaysrecognizing the institution's roots with the Academy of Richmond County. The marker will be unveiled outside University Hall andsinstalled latersnear the university's main entrance on Walton Way.

The Academy of Richmond County, charteredsas Richmond Academysin 1783, offered collegiate education throughout its long history, preparing students for acceptance into colleges as sophomores and juniors.

Man says group hit, robbed him of $20

An Augusta man told police he was assaulted and robbed after a man asked him for $20 in change.

Alvin Xavier, 22, said he was walking along Douglas Street at about 11 p.m. Friday when the man asked for the change. When he reached into his pocket, other men jumped him from behind and punched him in the face, a Richmond County sheriff's report says. The robbers snatched the $20 and ran, the report says.

Water will be cut off along Lumpkin Road

Water service will be temporarily disrupted Tuesday for residents along Lumpkin Road so service through a new water main can be implemented, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Water will be off from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.sto transfer service to a new main installed in conjunction with the resurfacing of U.S. Highway 1 from Windermere Drive to Richmond Hill Road, the construction of two bridges over Butler Creek,sand the realignment of Wyevale Drive.